TAMPA, Fla. — The hope was that this weekend would be about something positive. That hope held true for UConn and South Florida a few months ago.

Tonight's game at Raymond James Stadium has turned into a fight to stave off hopelessness. South Florida was picked to finish second in the Big East and even garnered four first-place votes in the preseason media poll. UConn wasn't expected to compete for a title, but there was some belief that the Huskies could get themselves bowl-eligible.

The teams enter the game having lost a combined nine consecutive contests. South Florida (2-6, 0-4 Big East) has lost six in a row. UConn (3-5, 0-3) has lost three in a row. One of them will take up sole residency in the league's cellar.

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